September 2019 - We matched on Bumble (girls have to message first) and I didn’t message Ilya. We ended bumping into each other on the elevator at work the next day. Fate? We think so! We connected later that week when we were out with friends and completely hit it off! Shout out to my best friend/MOH for being the very best wing woman.




When we first started dating, I (Ashley) was in my last year of pharmacy residency and Ilya was starting surgery residency. Soon after, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. I learned how to cut Ilya’s hair from watching YouTube videos. We spent a lot of time watching Suits and loving on my golden retriever Merri! Please enjoy the following family photos with sweet Merri girl 🤍

We visited Clearwater Beach on vacation in 2020. We sat on the beach watching the sunset and decided we were in this for the long haul!

After I finished residency and the pandemic slowed, we started using every opportunity we got to travel! Ilya was still in surgery residency, but we used almost every vacation week he had to try to travel. Traveling is our favorite hobby and we love visiting new places whenever we get the chance! 

Ilya was born in Belarus and really wanted to travel close to home. In late 2021, we visited first new country together - Ukraine! Some of our favorite trips since then include Greece, Italy, and Ski Trips to Colorado!

We visited Clearwater Beach, Florida again in February 2024. I thought we were there for a surgery conference, but Ilya had other ideas. Ilya wanted to go back to the beach at sunset, but I wanted to stop for coffee. We ultimately made it to the beach and had a really sweet afternoon. I was completely caught off guard when he popped the question! Of course, I said yes.

Since our engagement, Ilya has graduated surgery residency and moved to Miami to start his trauma/critical care fellowship. I have stayed in Augusta to stay close to home and continue working at MCG. We’ll be doing long distance for a short time, but we cannot wait to get married. We are so excited to celebrate our marriage with you all!